BEST FRIES Minneapolis 2005 - JP American Bistro - CLOSED

The menu at jP insists on calling them pommes frites, but, whatever: When it comes to happy-hour grazing or late-night nibbling, the crispy, salty fries at Lyn-Lake's swankest destination are always the first bar treat to leap to mind. They are, of course, perfectly crispy and deeply salty, but they're also dusted with smoked paprika and, in a nod to the Belgian original, served up in a paper cone that turns a fetching shade of terra cotta as it blots the excess oil. The aioli served alongside is practically superfluous. At just $4.50, we say these fries are the perfect way to round out happy hour (5:30 to 6:30 nightly), when jP's thirst-slaking cocktails are half price. Careful, lest you find yourself contemplating a second order--and a third sidecar.